Definition: And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 50:2 together. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story about Joseph. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says: “Joseph commanded his servants to embalm his father, and they did so. And they also embalmed Israel.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Joseph commanded his servants…” – This tells us that Joseph was in charge of someone else’s business – his servants. “…the physicians to embalm his father…” - "Physicians" refers to healers or doctors, and “embalm” means to preserve a body for later use. So this suggests Joseph’s father died. “and the physicians embalmed Israel.” - This is the key part. "Israel" was Joseph's name – it's a direct reference to him! The physicians were responsible for preserving his remains, meaning they took care of his body and ensured it wouldn't decay. What’s the significance? This story is often interpreted as a sign of Joseph's incredible talent and dedication. It suggests: Joseph was incredibly skilled: He managed to care for his father’s body with such care that it was preserved, even after he passed away. He possessed a special gift: The fact that the physicians were entrusted with this task implies there was something uniquely valuable about Joseph's abilities or his relationship to God. It's a story of responsibility and legacy. It shows that Joseph wasn’t just a son, but also someone who could handle significant tasks and ensure the well-being of those he cared for. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is important in Jewish tradition? Explore the different interpretations of the verse (like its connection to the story of David)? Give you a little more context about Joseph’s life?